Folding or collapsible boat.



No.' 833,846.y

- PATBNTBD 00T. 23, 1906.` 1.` o. PERRING. FOLDING 0R ooLLA'PsIBLE BOAT APPLICATION FILED MAR. "l, 1904. v

-ZISHIIIBTS--SIIIILET 1,

'PATENTE ocT. 23,'1906.

I. 0. PERRING.

k2 SHEETS-'snm z.

pgs n m es rss co., WAsuluaroN, l1 c.

FOLDING 0R GOLLAPSIBLE BOAT. y APPLICATION FILED HAR. "I. lH504..

Nb; s331846.,

\ ble Bo ats,1lof which thefollowing is a specifify IRA o. 1?iiianiive; oF; .xLAMA-Izoo, MICHIGANgznssIeNoa- BY DIRECT kinline- MESNF ASS'IGN MENTS. T0-- 'LIFE-SAVING FOLDING?! CANVAS lBOAT; COM-,iv

e y Specification of Letters Patient.

Application iledMarch'?, 1904. Serial No. 196,982.

Tonliwhomfit may conceza" 2 Beitknown than, IRA oPERRiNG; aan. i

zen of the UnitedStates, residing at ,the city of Kalamazoo county'foffKalamazoo, State of "M1chi gan, havejinvented certain new and usefulImprovements in Folding or Collapsication.

collapsible boat which may be-quickly set up or knocked down and one which isjcapable ofrbeing folded into a compact package when4 knocked down for the purpose oftranspoita-v l intoa very compact package when disas# vThis invention relates*toimprovements in' folding or collapsible boats. 2 v The obv'ects of this invention -are-,= first;` to

' provide] an improvedfolding or collapsible Y* oat which'is strong'anddura'ble ,and atthe same a time .comparatively light in weight f second, to provide ari-improved fo'lding gor tion or storage ;^third, to providean improved foldingy or collapsible boat Whi'chfis capable ofbeing foldedmto a very compactpackage number of parts when foldedisreduced-'to a minimumyfourth `to provide inl' a folding .or

although very strong andrigidwhenassembled comparativelylight in" weight fifth,

to provideinanimproved; folding boat an improved 4'combined keel and bottom which isquickly set up iand capable ofbeingmade sembledor knocked fdo.wn;1sixth, to rovide', anr impr ved f4 lfolding or' collapsib e'; boat which has an improvedzseat' structure adaptedto servezas a strengtheningmeansfor the boat, when lassembled seventh, to provide" in',

folding oar and support therefor;

- Further-objectsand objects relating V to structural details will ldefinitely 'appear from al folding or" collapsible boat/Jan improved l the detaileddescription to follow. V

I accomplish the vobj ectsl of'my invention bythe `devices `and means described in, the followingI specification.

I- The invention 'clearly defined, andl'pointrg specification! in which-f-"g l Figure 1"' i's a perspective" view fof myimprovedfoldingor collapsible boat viewing it ingv the same. iview showing my'improved oar, when knockeddownand onein'which the i ed f together. The

from vone side'. Fig'.2 is'a perspective view of my improved fo lding or collapsiblei'boat rviev'vin'g it from one end. Fig-3 isa ldetail perspectiveiview of theyflooringand keel;

Fig', 4 is an enlarged detailf'side elevation view of thekeel proper, showing they arrange` Vof my improved gunwale. Figs.. "7 and 8 are enlarged perspective views of the ybrackets Q` for joining the sections of the gunwal'e" and securingthe ribs thereto. Fig. 9 fis an enlarged perspective view of the seat in aninverted position. Fig. 10 is a plan view ofthe structure shown 'in Figl 9 folded. Fighll isan enlarged detailperspective view showing my improved oar yand, the means,V of support' Fig. 12 is a side elevation several views. collapsible boat animproved gunwale which, l

Referring@ the drawmgs, the bodyn/ of .the bottom A 'of my im roved boat ismade5 of canvasor like materia A-keel B; made up ofsections of,gas'pipe-. b and b and extensions E,`is`pro.vided f. 'Thej sections band ybare referablys'crewethread# eel extensions are' l In the drawings similar` letters of reference refer to l similar vp arts throughout the' adapted 'tofit'into theends` of the sections b.' The keel extensionsE are 'jointed at e; the pur 3 pose of which will be Ihereinafter yexplainedp- The keel-sectionsb b :are arranged centrallythroughjthe body -A in 'a suitable pocket.

s seriesfof cross-p ieces C, ofwire, 'are securelfy attachedto the odyA" ofthe bottom, vpre erablyby'inserting in suitable pockets. The crossfribs D' of the boat are also attached to' the* body A The, keel-sections?) and b are removable,A so that" they maybe removed when itf isi desired'to fold*y the bottom. lThe end sections F of the gunwaleare secured to' suitable loosor eyes in thejfends ofthe keel v extensions l Sleeved u on the gunwalesections Fare brackets Q l Wing SOCkG'S g therein adapted to receive vthecentral section G of the guna' wale. Thesebi'ackets Qare also provided withdownwardly-opening@ sockets d to reif ceive the upper ends of the crossribs.D,jas

tral section G of the gunwale is preferably arranged through at least twoof the brack ets Q at each side, so that it is firmly connected to the end sections F, formin ,in effect, a continuous gunwale. Ringsare provided for the central gunwale-sect'ions G to facilitate their removal. sions and the gunwale-sections and also the cross-ribs arey preferably formed of wire or light iron rods. Y

. A suitable skin or outer covering, preferably of canvas coated with suitable material to make the same impervious to water, is

provided.l ThisI is Ase'wed into the desired shape and is provided with suitable longitudinal ribs D", which will not be here described in detail, as they form no part of this invention. Y y

The seat I of my improved folding or collapsible boat is of sufficient length to extend from side to side thereof. Supporting-pieces J, having outwardly-projecting hooks O thereon, arefprovided for the seat-board I. These supports are connected to the seatboard I by hinges K. .The hinges K are secured to the board by vertically-arranged pivots M. Thus constructed the supports may be folded back upon the seat-board and swung around on the pivoty M` in alinement therewith, (seeFigs. 9 and 10,) so that it is collapsed into a A'comparatively compact space.

Pivoted to the under side of the seat-board I by suitable screw-eyes Por the like is a standard brace L. The brace Lis providedv with a loop in its lower end through which the central sections b of the keel may be inserted. This securely retains the seat in place and supports a considerable portion of the weight upon the seat on the bottoml of the boat, the hooks O engaging over the edge of the boatl' The seat thus serves as a brace for the boat and becomes when the boat is assembled an integral part Ithereof.

Having described the structural details `of myimproved folding or collapsible boat, I will describe the mode of assemblingl the same. In assembling I first` stretch the skin or covering and place the longitudinal ribbing therein. The central gunwale-section G is then inserted. The bottom Aisthen inserted. The ends of the cross-ribs D are engaged in the sockets d, carriedfby the gunwale. The seat isvthen placed in position and the keel-sections b b inserted, the central section b ofthe keel being p assedthrough the loop in the seat base L. lhe structure is then stretched by adjusting the keel-sections b b and forcing down the keel extensionsV E, which, beingjointed, apply considerable tension to. the skinor coveringof the boat. A hand-piece E isprovided for accomplishing this. (See Figse and 5.) .When this handpiece is forced against the' skin of the boat,-

the same collapsing.

the joints e of the keel extensions E are forced past the center, so that there is no danger of To provide absolute security, the hooks e on the end of the halidpie'ces E are engaged in suitable gromets in the ends of the body A of the bottom. The oars are then arranged, and the structure is assembledready for use.

My improved folding or collapsible boat is very attractive and has a neat and finished appearance. The same is also comparatively light and very rigid. It is also very durable in use and comparatively light in weight. I have illustrated and described the same in the form preferred by me on account of its structural simplicity and the economy with which itmay be produced. I am aware, however, that it is capable of considerable modification in structural details without departing from my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; a bottom consisting of a body of canvas or like material, having cross-rods secured thereto and a longitudinal pocket therein; a keel consisting of sections of gas-pipe adapted to be inserted into said longitudinal pocket; keel extensions having joints therein, adapted to be inserted into said keel-sections; levers or hand-pieces, having hooks on the ends thereof adapted to engage said body, secured to said keel extensions; a gunwale made up of end sections, said end sections being secured to said keel .extens'ons3 brackets having horizontal and vertical sockets therein, sleeved upon said end sections of said gunwale, said horizontal sockets being adapted toreceive the said central sections of said gunwale; cross-ribs secured to the said bottom, adapted to be inserted in the vertical sockets of said brackets; a seat-board 5 seat-supports therefor having 'hooks thereon adapted to engage over said gunwales hinges for said seat-supports vertical pivots for securing said hinges to the Asaid seat-board; and a central brace or support, having a loop in the lower end thereof ladapted to receive said keel, pivotally secured to the under side of said seat-board; all coacting for the purpose specified.

V2. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable exible skin a bottom consisting of a body of canvas or like material, having cross-rodsA secured thereto and a longitudinal pocket therein a keel consisting of sections kof gas-pipe adapted to be inserted into said longitudinal pocket; keel extensions having joints therein, adapted to be inserted into said keel-sections; levers or hand-pieces, having hooks on the ends thereof ada )ted to engage said body, secured to said freelextensions; a gunwale made up of end sections and central sections, said end sections being se- IOO IIO

,cured to said .keell extensions; lbrackets having lhorizontal and` vertical' sockets therein, sleeved u on-said end sections of said gun- Wale, sai *horizontall` 'sockets being ladapted yto -receivethel saidy ycentralsections of said gunWale; crossribs-secured to the' said bot? tomy-ada ted: `to ,be inserted? in -the vertical sockets?y o said brackets 5 a v'seat-board ,j vseatsof.

supports therefor -ffhavingf hooks thereon L adapted to engage-over said gunWales ,hinges for saidfseat-supports;- vertical pivots for f securing said hingesfto the said seat`board5 vall coacting forthe purpose specified'.-

3..In'2a folding boat', the'combinationof a suitablellexible skin; a bottom consisting of agbody offca'nvas or like material, having cross-rodsjsecured thereto, and a longitudinal pocket vtherein 5m a keel consisting of `sections of-gas-pipe adapted to be inserted intosaid'- longitudinal' pocket 5'- keel extensions f having" j oin'tsl therein,` adapted' -t'o be .inserted y'into said keel-sections; levers or hand-pieces, havf ingv hooks on the ends thereof adapted -to'fengagesaid bod-y, securedv tosaidkeel extensions 5-a gunWale'i'nad-e up of end sections and central-sections,- said end sections being se-r curedk to said keel yextensions 5f brackets hav ing `horizontal and verticalsockets therein, sleeved upon saidend sectionsfof said gun- Walegfsaid horizontal; sockets'f-beingadapted to receive'ffthe-said lcentral-sections ofvsaid gunwale 5 and crosseribssecuredto ythe said bottom, adapted to be insertedl into the vvertical sockets of'said brackets, all coacting for the purpose specified.

4. 1 In a "folding -boat,the combination ofa suitabley flexible skin 5` a bottom 'consisting of a -bod-y of canvas orfflike material, having cross-rods `secured thereto 5 a keel detachably secured to said bottom; keel extensions; a

gunvvalern-ade-` up of end sectionsand-c'entral sections, said end sectionsbeing secured l to saidkeel extensions-5 brackets havinghor1` zontal and- 'verticale'sockets therein, i sleeved upon s'aid endl sectionsof said gunwale,'said horizontalzsock-ets' being adaptedito receive the said central sections ofsaid gunwale;

cross-ribssecuredto ythe said bottom, adapted' t'o be inserted into the verticalsockets of said "brackets-5 a seat-:board seat-supports'- therefor having" hooks thereon, adapted tol engage'ioversaid xgunWales 5 hinges for'fsaid" lfor securing seat-support; vertical pivots l said hinges to'the said seat-board; a central brace or 'su portyhaving `a loop inthe lower end-thereof) pivotallysecured to the underl side- `of-saidseat-board5l all ycoactingfor the purpose specified.'v l` Q 5.5In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable 'flexible' skin 5 a bott'omvconsisting of a bodyv of'fcanvas'or like materiahhaving cross-'rods secured thereto 5 a keel detachably securedfto 4 said 'bottom ,s keel" extensions; a

adapted 4to receive said-keel,l

sections, said vend sections being :secured-itc said-keel extensions; brackets having. horilv zontal and vertical sockets therein,--sleevedr upon said end sectionsof saidgun'wale",- said horizon-tal'sockets being adaptedto receive the-said central sections offsaid gunwale5. cross-rib's-secured to thesaidbottom, adaptedvftobe inserted into thevertical sockets. of l said' brackets 5 a seat-board 5 .seat-supports therefor fhaving hooks thereon adapted. to engage -ov'er said` vgunwale51 hinges yfor :said

seat-support 5- and vertical pivots for securing. i.

acting forthe purlosespecified.

6. i-In1a foldlng-y oat, the combination-fof a 8o 1 suitablel flexible.l skin 5 a bottom consisting of cross-rods secured thereto 5 a keel detachably securedtosaidbottom; keel' extensions ,'z a

gunWale-made up of end sections -and central.. sections-said end 'sectionsbeing secured to said keel` extensions brackets having .horif4 zontal-.vand'vertical sockets thereimvsleeveda upon said end sections of said .gunWale,. said.- horizontal sockets being adapted to .receive i thesaid cen-tral sectionsof said -gunwale 5 and, cross-ribs securedto the said bottom adapta: ed to be inserted into the vertical sockets of.. said brackets, vallfcoactingfor .the ipurpose'7 specified. I

7 .I Ina folding boat, lthey combinationof a suitablenflexible skin 5 a bottom consisting, of

abody of-canvas orlike materiaL having',- cross-rods Ysecured thereto and' a longitudinal. pocket therein; a keel adapted .to'beinserted into said longitudinal pocket 5keel extensions said'keel; levers or hand-.pieceshavinghooks. on vthe ends! thereof adapted to .engage said.

body, secured to saidlkeelfextensions; a gun-1 Wale Ymade up of fend sections an'dl central.

sections, said end Vsections-being secured to sionshaving joints therein,` detachably se#A cured -to said keel 5 a gunWale-made-up 'of end sections and'central sections, said .'end-.vsecil tions beingfsecured to .said keel extensions; brackets having horizontal 1' and vertical sockets therein," sleeved upon said len dj. sec'' tions of said gunwale, said horizontal sockets beingada ted to receivethessaid/centraly sections-0 said gunwale 5; andcrossfrlbs" sesV cured to the said bottom adapted to be inserted in the vertical sockets lof said brackets, for the purpose s `eciiled.

9. In a folding oat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; a bottom c onsisting of a body of canvas or like material, having cross-rods secured thereto and a longitudinal pocket therein; a keel adapted to be inserted into said longitudinal pocket; keel extensions having joints therein, detachably secured to said keel; levers or hand-pieces, hav- A ing hooks onthe ends thereofl ada Ated to engage said body, secured Ito said fineel `extensions; a gunwalemade up of end sections and central sections, said end sections being secured to` said keelextensions; and cross-ribs secured to the said bottom, for the purpose specified. f

10. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; a bottom consisting of a body of canvas or like material, having cross-rods secured thereto and a longitudinal pocket therein; a keel adapted to beinserted into said `longitudinal pocket; lkeel extensions having joints therein, detachably secured to said keel; a gunWale made up of end sections and central sections, said end sections being secured to said keel extensions; and cross-ribs secured to said bottom, for the purpose specified.

11. In-afolding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; .a bottom consisting of a body of canvas or like .material, having cross-rods secured thereto; a keel detachably secured to said bottom; keel extensions detachably secured to said keel; a gunvvale made up of end sections and central sections, said end sections being secured to said keel extensions; brackets having horizontal and vertical sockets therein sleeved uponsaid end sections of said gunWale, said horizontal sockets being Y adapted to receive. the said central sections of said gunwale; and crossribs .adapted to be inserted into the vertical sockets ofv said brackets, for the purpose specified. v

12. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable .flexible skin; a bottom consisting-of a body of canvas or like material, having crossrods secured thereto; a keel detachably secured to saidbottom; algunwale made up of end sections and ,central sections, said end sections being secured to said keel extensions; brackets having horizontal and vertical sockets therein sleeved upon said end sections of said gunwale, said horizontal sockets being adapted toA receive the said central sections of said gunwale; and cross-ribs adapted to be inserted into the vertical sockets Yof said brackets,l for the purpose specified.

13. In afolding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; a bottom consisting of a body of canvas or like material, having cross-rods secured thereto and a longitudinal pocket therein; a keel adapted to be inserted into said longitudinal pocket; keel extensions having joints therein detachably secured to said keel; and levers or handpieces, having hooks on the ends thereof adapted to engage said body, secured to said keel-sections, for the purpose specified.

14. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; a bottom consisting of a body of canvas or like material, having cross-rods secured thereto and a longitudiserted into said longitudinal pocket; and keel-extensions having joints therein detachably secured to said keel; for the purpose specified.

15. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; a bottom` consisting of a body of canvas or like material, having cross-rods secured thereto and a longitudinal pocket therein; and a keel adapted to be Linserted into said longitudinal pocket, for the purpose specified.

16. 4Ina folding boat, the combination of a i suitable flexible skin; a bottom consisting of a body of canvas or like material, having cross-rods secured thereto; a keel detach-k ably secured to said body; keel extensions having joints therein detachably secured to said keel; and levers or hand-pieces having hooks on the ends thereof adapted to engage said body, secured to said keel-sections, for the purpose s ecified. y

17'. In a fo ding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; a removable bottom. `consisting of a body of canvas or like matcrial, having cross-rods secured thereto; a keel detachably secured to said body; and keel extensions having hinge-joints therein detachably secured Ato said keel, for the purpose specified. y j

18. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; cross-ribs; a removable bottom consisting of a body of canvas,

or like material, to which said cross-ribs are fsecured, cross-rods arranged between said cross-ribs,and a keel detachably secured-to ysaid body, for the purpose specified.

19. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; cross-ribs; a reinovable bottom consisting of a body of canvas, vor like material, to which said cross-ribs are secured, and cross-rods arranged between said cross-ribs, for the purpose specified.

20. In a folding boat, a suitable flexible `skin; a keel; and keelv extensions inadeup .of sections hinged together, for the purpose.

specified. y

21. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; a gunwale made up of lend sections and central sections; brackets having horizontal and vertical sockets therein, sleeved upon said end sections of said gunwale, said horizontal sockets being adapted to receive the said central sections of said l gunwale; and cross-ribs adapted to be innal pocket therein; a keel adapted to be in- IIO lii5

sertedl into the vertical sockets ofsaid braekengaging. hooks thereon; hinges secured to ets,for the urpose Specified. said seat-supports; and vertical pivots for 22.- In a olding boat, the combination of a securing said hinges to said seat-board, for gunwale made up of sections, and brackets the purpose specified;

5 having parallel sockets therein adapted to re- In witness whereof I have hereunto set my 15 eeive said sections whereby they'are detaehhand in-the presence of two Witnesses. ably secured together, for the purpose speoi- IRA O. PERRING. lied. Witnesses 23. In a folding boat, the combination of a ETHEL A. TELLER,

Io Seat-board; seat-supports therefor having OTIs A. EARL. 

